The closing of Harrison Park Rink is a shameful injustice to Northside children, youth, families and the agency I represent. For 21 years the North Minneapolis Hockey and Figure Skating Program provided sports to neighborhood residents at an affordable price. Hundreds of kids got to play hockey and hundreds more got figure skating lessons. In addition, we collected, sharpened and provided skates for recreational skating. The rink was well used.
It is a shame that any outdoor ice rinks have to be closed at this point. They are simply too few and far between to be accessible to most city children. Without the outdoor rinks, there is no hockey or figure skating option for low income children.
When you watch Northsiders like Rohene Ward compete in the national figure skating championships, Desiree Brown play goalie for St. Margaret’s, and pediatrician Chris Williams compete at the national seniors level, ask yourself where the next generation of inner city skaters will get their start. Rohene started at Farview Park (closed now for 15 years) and Chris started at Harrison.
I think there’s a misperception that minority people do not play hockey or figure skate. Our participation is over 60 percent minority. That reflects the composition of the neighborhoods we serve. Rohene and Desiree are African-American. So is Booker Hodges (former gubernatorial candidate) and Titus Stromen (skating double for the star of Mighty Ducks).
I just cannot understand what the Park Board is thinking closing two North Minneapolis rinks at a time when idle youth are a huge community problem. It’s ice time.
Dale Hulme, President,
New Directions Youth Ministry and Pastor,
St. Olaf Lutheran Church